ONS, Stavanger, Aug. 26 /CSRwire/ - The world’s need for energy is driving interest in further industrial activity in the Arctic, yet the region’s conditions are highly variable depending on the type of activity, location and time of year. This creates a complex risk picture. DNV GL, the leading technical advisor to the oil & gas industry, has therefore developed an interactive Arctic Risk Map to present the risks associated with offshore and maritime activities in the Arctic. The map aims to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive tool for decision-making and transparent communications.

“The Arctic is not a monolithic area and the risk picture varies accordingly. Stakeholders therefore need a sound decision basis for understanding the risks associated with Arctic development and transportation. The DNV GL Arctic Risk Map can help facilitate transparent discussions to address the many dilemmas related to activity in the region,” says Børre Paaske, project manager at DNV GL – Oil & Gas.

The map presents multiple dimensions, such as the seasonal distribution of ice, metocean (physical environment) conditions, sea-ice concentrations, biological assets, shipping traffic and oil and gas resources, in a user-friendly, single layout. It also includes a Safety and Operability Index, showing the variation in different factors that impact the risk level depending on the season and their location in the Arctic.

In addition, a location- and season-specific index has been developed showing the environmental vulnerability of marine resources with respect to oil spill as an external stressor. In general, DNV GL’s analysis shows that the Arctic environment is characterised by seasonal variations in vulnerability, and that this vulnerability increases in the summer months along with the level of industrial activity. However, this differs greatly between regions. Some areas, for example, are particularly vulnerable in winter, when they are used by birds for wintering or as spawning grounds for fish.

As a result, the consequences of an accident in the Arctic would likely be more severe in some areas than others. The map is a useful tool to identify regions that require special attention when it comes to planning activities and for imposing mitigation measures throughout the year. The map can also provide input to decisions-makers about restricting certain types of activities in specific areas at different times of the year.

“The risk level in the Arctic must be equivalent to – or better than – the best performance in the industry today. The Arctic’s varied and complex conditions require the industry to take a stepwise approach in which learning and technology are developed progressively regarding the more challenging Arctic areas,” says Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO of Oil & Gas, DNV GL. “As an independent body, DNV GL takes an active role in ensuring that any increase in industrial activity has a strong focus on safeguarding life, property and the environment. This Arctic Risk Map is a great example of our vision in action,” she adds.

The Arctic Risk Map has been developed to present the spatial and seasonal distribution of ice and metocean parameters, biological resources, ship traffic, oil and gas resources and accident history. The map is interactive and web-based, developed using the GIS software ArcGIS. The map includes the following locations: Baffin Bay & Davis Strait, including West Greenland, the Barents Sea, including the Pechora Sea, the Beaufort Sea, Bering Sea (East), Bering Sea (West), Canadian Arctic Archipelago, Central Arctic, Chukchi Sea, Greenland Sea (East), Hudson, Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, Siberian Sea and Okhotsk Sea. In addition, the map contains aggregated safety and operability indexes for the Faroe Islands, Iceland and the Norwegian Sea.

The map uses the most up-to-date pan-Arctic species-distribution data available. However, it is important to note that there are uncertainties when it comes to both the degree of coverage and quality of the data set that could have an effect on the overall safety and operability picture presented. The information included herein is based upon a non-exhaustive selection of publicly available information which has been compiled by DNV GL. DNV GL has not undertaken an independent verification of the accuracy of the available sources, and the information provided does not constitute a basis for decision-making. By entering this site, you hereby acknowledge that all use of the information given is at the user’s sole risk. You must not rely on the information as an alternative to advice from appropriately qualified professionals. DNV GL accepts no liability whatsoever for the content or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. No responsibility whatsoever will be assumed by DNV GL for any errors or omissions made. If you have any specific questions about any of these matters, you should consult an appropriately qualified professional.

About DNV GL

DNV and GL have merged to form DNV GL. We are now the world's largest ship and offshore classification society, the leading technical advisor to the global oil and gas industry and a leading expert for the energy value chain, including renewables and energy efficiency. We have also taken a position as one of the top three certification bodies in the world. Read more here: www.dnvgl.com/merger.

About DNV GL Oil & Gas

In the oil and gas industry, GL Noble Denton and DNV’s Oil & Gas business have joined forces to enable safe, reliable and enhanced performance in projects and operations. We provide integrated services in: technical assurance; marine assurance and advisory; risk management advisory and offshore classification. Our 5,500 people combine industry expertise, multi-disciplinary skills and innovation to solve complex challenges for our customers. Together with our partners, we drive the industry forward by developing best practices and standards across the asset lifecycle.